4 Ways A "Museum" Membership Can Be Frugal

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

24 Jun 2007 05:43 PM

Think spending a good chunk of money on a museum or attraction membership isn't frugal? Think again.

Just this weekend, we made the decision to sign up for a three-year membership at a local attraction. The membership cost quite a bit of money, but we know that it will be worth every penny.

Here are some reasons why investing in a membership makes good frugal sense.

1. It will pay for itself with frequent visits. The cost of our membership will pay for itself on our third visit for the year. In the past, we have visited our attraction at least that many times in a year anyway, so subsequent visits are free.

2. It will give us admission to other museums and attractions. Many memberships allow card holders to visit select other museums and attractions for free, even if they are out of state. So, whether we want to go on a day trip or a long vacation, we will be able to visit other attractions at no cost. Many people don't realize this. Check with your area attractions and others that might be a little farther off. I have a friend who signs up for a zoo the next state over because the membership costs less than it would for the zoo in her own hometown. And yet, her membership allows her to visit both zoos (as well as several others in the area).

3. It replaces other costly activities. In our case, our attraction, among its other good points, features a lot of opportunity to walk. it is about as close as the gym with its indoor track, but with our membership, we get to exercise and enjoy the outdoors, while saving hundred a month on a gym membership.

4. Free kids workshops. With our membership, our kids have plenty of workshop opportunities to choose from. They can learn and have fun, and we save on the cost of extracurricular classes. If you homeschool, you might really be able to take advantage of these types of workshops.

Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Computing Blog here at Families.com where she shares everything from the latest news on technology to cool downloads and fun websites.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 24 Jun 2007 06:17 PM

I love our memberships. We usually get two to three memberships and I include them in the kids' curriculum. Excellent points!

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 24 Jun 2007 06:35 PM

That is great Valerie! Any tips to share?

jonesx6 (1606) 25 Jun 2007 03:04 PM

My brother in law bought a membership to the NJ Aquarium and the Philadelphia Zoo and he takes the kids a lot. Our daughter loves the Aquarium. Laura

Valorie Delp (49340) 25 Jun 2007 05:10 PM

Tips to share? Read all the little member news thingys to get hte most out of your membership. I just found out that the Met offers free art classes. For large families, this only makes sense. We often pay only slightly more for the membership than we would pay for admission for our family.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 25 Jun 2007 08:53 PM

I love the Met. Does your membership give you discounts in the store at Rockerfellar plaza, too? I love those Christmas ornaments.

Valorie Delp (49340) 25 Jun 2007 08:57 PM

Yep. . .we actually didn't do the Met this year. . .although we may do it later. But yes, our membership gives us discounts to the Met store. Unlike most museums in NYC it does not have reciprocity but the free art classes are totally worth it. BTW--my kids LOVE the Met.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 26 Jun 2007 06:26 AM

How many kids can boost that they studies art at the Met! Good deal. Are you a regular visitor to the Museum of Natural History? It is one of my favorite places in the city.